Faculty Hiring Manual 2023–24
Section 4: Assessment and Selection 

4.5 Choosing a Finalist

Once all visits have concluded, the search committee typically prepares a recommendation for hire that is then presented to the larger Hiring Unit for discussion. CLUs may have their own procedures and practices in making a final decision to hire, and these procedures should be pursued consistently for all candidates. In the case of cluster hires, the search committee’s report should include summary statements from members from other units, whose opinions should also inform the discussion. Depending on the circumstances, Hiring Units will choose to put forward only one candidate or multiple candidates in the event that the finalist candidate selected for an offer does not accept the position.

Once a selection has been made, the Chair of the Hiring Unit(s) will present the finalist(s) to the Dean, along with any other candidates who may be offered the position, usually in an unranked order. Unit Chairs and search committees should communicate carefully with candidates at this stage of the search. It is not advisable to inform candidates of their exact status at this phase, since it may be important to move swiftly to a second or third finalist if the first finalist does not accept the offer.

As above, search committees should develop and follow a clear protocol for notifying candidates who will not be advancing any further of their status.